Airport & Mac Wireless Network for Dummies

reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Human communication progressed over the many hundreds of years, but particularly through increased use of various forms of technology. Technology led to computers, which in turn led to the utilization of additional telecommunication devices. When the internet surfaced, a variety of information were presented more through the internet based network. Computers and modems were useful, even running as slow as 300 to 2400 baud, at home, business and other locations. Users could communicate with others and find information, and a more social network developed for all who communicated.

Recently, a variety of computer integrated pursuits provided a better way to find and use graphics, log into and creatie websites, and share data. This led to a great need for expansion of the access with others in the public, at home and business. The Airport was created to meet this void with the Macintosh computer users. The book Airport & Mac Wireless Network for Dummies, meets a certain void for those who want to learn more about the MacIntosh, networking and use of the Airport wireless system.

The author of this book is a co-author of several MacIntosh books, multimedia producer, and a writer. This book has five parts (Wireless Basics, Knitting a Network, ItÕs almost fun and games, taking care of business and the Part of Tens) which encompasses 15 chapters. Along the way, users learn how to pick a wireless card, choose a base station, build a home network, stream music, work at the office and on the road, troubleshoot security measures, and learn interesting facts about wireless technology and web resources. The book starts out with the basics which is good for novice and possibly intermediate and advanced users.

Throughout these chapters are tips, warnings, ideas to remember and helpful technical information. The screen shots and figures are black and white. As with most Dummies books, this one is not fancy but is well done and does the job to help learn the topic described by the title. The author provides comprehensive information related to all main topics and does so with breadth and depth.

There are some aspects of this book that I really like. It is simple to read - even for novice network users - but goes deeper to provide for intermediate MacIntosh network users. The chapters cover information about past Mac computers to the G5 and include laptops. There is a nice section on equipping older macs with Airport Cards - even covering the G4 cube. What also nice is there is informational listing of Mac- compatible PC cards and their vendors and drivers. There is also good information on options for USB wireless network adapters. There is of course information about ethernet and much more.

My wife has a Airport card in her AIO (by all standards today an ancient) computer, but it can connect to an Airport station so we set it up and it worked great. But now, how do I get my newer iMac connecting to the Airport? I had an airport card from a used Powerbook put into my iMac and can play off my wifeÕs base station now we had high speed wireless access.

The author has done his research and done it well. This book covers a lot great information, much that takes one through step-by-step learning about the Airport itself. Because of this I canÕt fault the non-color screenshots because the information is fine without this technical stuff. The price is good and I certainly have learned more about networking and the airport. Now if I can only find a card for my G3 laptop. If there is one for my laptop, this book will find it. In that way, this book will answer many of your networking and communication needs for a variety of computers and wireless devices. This dummies book will make you smarter about your wireless and networking needs. So you will be ahead of the communication game. Try it and see as I did.